BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — For the seventh time in the last nine years, Western Kentucky University's mascot, Big Red, has been named to the Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Big Red will now compete for the coveted title of Capital One Mascot of the Year against 15 other mascots from around the country.

This year's mascot field includes The Bird (Air Force), Bearcat (Cincinnati), Smokey (Tennessee), The Duck (Oregon), Mike the Tiger (LSU), Mr. C (Vanderbilt), Big Blue (Old Dominion), Paydirt Pete (UTEP), Joe Vandal (Idaho), Brutus (Ohio State), Goldy (Minnesota), Testudo (Maryland), Joe Bruin (UCLA), Sebastian the Ibus (Miami), Monte (Montana) and Big Red.

Big Red is a huge, furry, lovable creature who made his debut in 1980. He was the centerpiece of ESPN's promotion of the 25,000th SportsCenter, airing in August, 2002. Big Red has also been recognized by USA Today as one of the top mascots in all of sports as well as making celebrity appearances on "Deal or No Deal" and "Wheel of Fortune."

Voting for the Capital One Mascot of the Year contest is underway and runs through December 13. Log onto www.capitalonebowl.com to vote for Big Red, or text your vote to BigRed at 69866.